A Sandy-caused breach in a Fire Island National Seashore wilderness area will be allowed to close naturally -- at least initially, officials announced Saturday.

National Seashore superintendent Christopher Soller said the Old Inlet breach, south of Bellport, will be monitored for potential impacts on water levels in surrounding communities.

If that becomes a concern, the cut will be closed immediately, Soller said.

Filling in breach at Westhampton Beach
The Army Corps of Engineers is taking us out to watch the work being done to fill in the Fire Island breach near Cupsogue State Park. It's one of three breaches that cut through the island when Sandy came ashore. Videojournalist: Chris Ware (Nov. 26, 2012)

"At the end of the day, the breach will be closed," he said. "The question is whether we let nature take its course or if we do it mechanically."

The decision effectively snubs politicians who had called for immediate action to close the breach.

Schumer calls for Fire Island breach to be closed
Sen. Charles E. Schumer Monday called on the National Park Service to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to immediately close a breach on Fire Island caused when superstorm Sandy roared ashore Oct. 29. Videojournalist: James Carbone (Nov. 19, 2012)

But environmentalists on Saturday argued that leaving the cut open could help circulate water around Great South Bay, improving water quality and shellfishing.

"I think to close the breach immediately is shortsighted thinking," said Kevin McAllister, president of Peconic Baykeeper.

Charlie Flagg, a professor at Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, said the area usually gets flooded during high westerly winds but isn't facing that problem now because the breach gives water in Bellport Bay an escape route.

"The breach is now a safety valve," he said.

Surviving Sandy
After the devastation of superstorm Sandy, we look back as Long Islanders reclaimed their lives. Newsday (Nov. 10. 2012)

But Peter K. Hutchins, former chief of the Davis Park Fire Department, said getting emergency services to communities on Fire Island will be difficult this winter if the bay isn't passable.

"Leaving the breach open at this time of year is flirting with danger," he said.